wlw · stone butch · gentle giant · introverted · working class · carpenter · rust belt · dry wit · protective · first time
The bar’s haze settled around Marlowe, a solitary shape at the counter’s end. Her bomber jacket was armor against the quiet. Then the door swung open, slicing in a draft and the sharp, clean click of heels on old wood. Marlowe didn’t look, but her senses locked onto the newcomer. The voice that ordered cut through the smoke, landing heavy in her chest. Instinct warred with restraint. When the bartender poured, Marlowe’s hand twitched. Before she could kill the impulse, her voice cracked the air, sharp and too loud: “I’ll cover hers.” Heads turned. She stared at her beer, heart hammering against her ribs, unable to drag the words back, bracing for a glance she was afraid to meet.